System for tracking and displaying the position of a motor vehicle and of a user

ABSTRACT

Described is a system for tracking and displaying the position of a motor vehicle driven by a user with respect to a determined route and the position of said user with respect to said motor vehicle. 
     The system includes a first and a second data acquisition unit configured to instantaneously detect the position of the motor vehicle and of the user relative to the motor vehicle and to the determined route; a processing unit for generating an image of the position of the motor vehicle and of the user and a visual projection device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a system for tracking and displaying theposition of a motor vehicle and of a user.

The system according to the invention is especially suitable for useduring training sessions on a sports circuit.

More specifically, the system according to the invention allows the userto display information in real time on the sports performance thanks tothe projection, moment by moment, of an image of the motor vehicle inthe performance of a previous pre-selected lap or a reference lap alsonot previously performed by the user.

Moreover, as well as the image of the motor vehicle, it is also possibleto display in real time the position of the driver.

BACKGROUND ART

There are currently prior art systems which are able to record data onthe performance of a vehicle, for example in terms of average speed,consumption, atmospheric conditions or racing line followed.

These prior art systems, although useful for the tracking and analysingthe performance of a driver, do not allow an exact study of theperformance.

An exact study of the performance means the possibility of analysing keyvalues for determining the quality of the performance at every point ofthe track.

For example, in order to carry out an exact study, by means of atelemetry acquisition device, it is necessary to measure the key valuesat predetermined time intervals, approximately in the order of secondsor in any case according to the thoroughness of the analysis to beperformed.

The aggregated parameters currently available, such as, for example,average speed, do not allow an in-depth understanding of the performanceand the areas which require improvement by the driver.

Systems for the immediate study and analysis of the performance arecurrently only possible in situations and environments equipped for thepurpose, for example with video cameras positioned at points ofinterest.

Solutions of this type, even though able to record the key values at thepoints where the video cameras are installed, make the system extremelycomplex.

This complexity is due, for example, to the need to have a large numberof video cameras.

Moreover, this type of solution does not allow the key values to berecorded on the performance of a driver outside environments equippedfor the purpose.

On the other hand, an immediate and continuous monitoring of theperformance of a driver during his/her training may be of assistance, inorder to correct any errors, such as, for example, incorrect drivingpositions as well as, obviously, non-ideal trajectories.

Not having an immediate analysis during each training session may infact be harmful for improving the performance of the driver.

Moreover, the currently known systems do not allow the driver to analysehis/her performance in real time and in particular with reference to achosen lap.

In fact, the performance, for example captured by the video cameras, isnormally recorded and stored for an analysis which occurs only after theperformance itself.

In these situations, the driver does not have an immediate check on theerrors or improvements which he/she can make to his/her driving.

Not being able to detect in real time an error prevents the driver frombeing able to correct it on the time, slowing down his/her learningprocess.

Patent document US 2015/127239 A1 describes a system of known type formapping the terrain, wherein the position of a vehicle is trackedrelative to a predetermined route for recalibrating sensors of aninertial unit (IMU) by using video cameras.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

A first aim of this invention is therefore to provide a system fortracking and displaying the position of a motor vehicle and of a userfor monitoring his/her training in an easy, instantaneous manner and inreal time.

Moreover, the aim of the invention is to favour the constant improvementof the performance of a driver during training sessions.

A further aim is to provide a device which is able to keep the attentionof the user at high levels, without the user having to look away fromthe track during driving of the motor vehicle.

A further aim is to provide a system which is simple and inexpensive tomake and practical to use.

The above aims are achieved by a system for tracking and displaying theposition of a motor vehicle and of a user comprising the technicalfeatures described in one or more of the accompanying claims.

Further features and advantages of the invention are more apparent inthe nonlimiting description which follows of preferred embodiments of asystem for tracking and displaying the position of a motor vehicle andof a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description is set out below with reference to the accompanyingdrawings which are provided solely for purposes of illustration withoutrestricting the scope of the invention and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of the system for tracking anddisplaying the position of a motor vehicle and of a user, and its maincomponents according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the position of sensors andinertial measurement units according to the invention in a firstconfiguration of use;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the position of sensors andinertial measurement units according to the invention in a secondconfiguration of use;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of the various steps of thesystem of FIG. 1 during its first use;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of the various steps of thesystem of FIG. 1 during a use after its first use;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of the process of FIG. 4highlighting the interaction with the various elements of the system fortracking and displaying the position of a motor vehicle and of a user ofFIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of the process of FIG. 5highlighting the interaction with the various elements of the system fortracking and displaying the position of a motor vehicle and of a user ofFIG. 1 ;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of what a user views on thevisor of his/her helmet during a use of the system for tracking anddisplaying the position of a motor vehicle and of a user of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of the situation of FIG. 8 in adifferent configuration of use;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic representation of the situation of FIG. 8 in afurther different configuration of use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The numeral 1 generically indicates in its entirety a system fortracking and displaying the position of a motor vehicle 9 driven by auser with respect to a determine route and the position of the user withrespect to the motor vehicle 9 according to the invention.

The system is hereinafter referred to simply as the system 1.

Hereinafter, where not clearly specified, the term “data” must beunderstood to generically mean both data and images.

With reference to FIG. 1 , the system 1 comprises: a first dataacquisition unit 2 and a second data acquisition unit 3, a processingunit 4 and a visual projection device 5.

The first data acquisition unit 2 is positioned on the motor vehicle 9and is configured to instantaneously detect the position of the motorvehicle 9 with respect to a determined route.

The term “determined route” is used to mean a route selected by theuser.

This route represents, for example, a particular sports circuit whichthe user is about to travel along.

The second data acquisition unit 3 is integral with the user and isconfigured to instantaneously detect the position of the user withrespect to the motor vehicle 9 and, therefore, with respect to thedetermined route.

The system 1 according to the invention does not use video cameras.

The system 1 is based on motion capture technologies which are of theinertial type.

The expression motion capture technology means the reproduction of animage of a user and its movements recreated with software systems.

The motion capture systems of the inertial type, such as those used forthe invention, do not use video cameras for detecting the position ofthe user and the motor vehicle 9, making use mainly of inertial typesensors 21 and 31.

The first 2 and the second 3 data acquisition units comprise inertialsensors 21 and 31.

The term inertial sensors 21 and 31 means sensors sensitive to movement,from which it is possible to extract, if necessary by processing thedata, the instantaneous position of a body in space.

For the purposes of the invention, the inertial sensors 21, 31 comprisegyroscopes and accelerometers.

Both the accelerometers and gyroscopes shall be considered asone-dimensional unless otherwise indicated.

For example, both the accelerometers and gyroscopes are to be consideredas three-dimensional where they are referred to respectively as 3Daccelerometers and 3D gyroscopes.

Three one-dimensional accelerometers arranged according to directions atright angles to each other shall be considered equivalent, for thepurposes of determining the position, to a 3D accelerometer.

Similarly, three one-dimensional gyroscopes positioned according todirections at right angles to each other hall be considered equivalent,for determining the position, to a 3D gyroscope.

According to the invention the accelerometers are of the mechanicaltype, MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) or of another type,provided that they are aimed at the measurement of the acceleration of abody.

According to invention, gyroscopes are of the optical type, for examplelaser gyroscopes (RLG) or optical fibre gyroscopes (FOG), or of anothertype such as MEMS gyroscopes and vibration gyroscopes.

According to alternative embodiments not illustrated, in addition to theabove-mentioned inertial sensors 21 and 31, the system comprises othertypes of sensors, referred to as support sensors 29 and 39, which areuseful for detecting the position under certain conditions, such as, forexample, in situations of emergency or reduced coverage of the signalfor connection to the server.

The first 2 and the second 3 data acquisition units comprise at leastone support sensor 29 and/or 39 selected from GPS, magnetometer,odometer, gyrometer, laser interferometer, thermometer, barometer or acombination of them.

For example, the GPS sensor is advantageously used to determine theinitial reference position.

The magnetometer is advantageously used for detecting disturbances dueto magnetic fields which may adversely affect, for example, theoperation of the inertial sensors 21 and 31.

The magnetic sensors are also advantageously used for detectingvibrations.

A 3D gyroscope and a 3D accelerometer in their entirety define aninertial measurement unit (IMU) for detecting the motion of a body.

Alternatively, the 3D gyroscope and the 3D accelerometer may bereplaced, respectively, by 3 one-way gyroscopes and 3 unidirectionalaccelerometers operatively connected to each other.

The first 2 and the second 3 data acquisition units comprise arespective inertial measurement unit (IMU) 22 and 32.

To correctly start an IMU, that is to say, allow the correct positioningof the body in space, the use of a GPS sensor, or a different form of asatellite navigation system, is advantageous.

With reference to FIG. 6 , a support sensor 29 in the form of a GPSallows the initial reference position to be determined.

The initial reference position makes it possible to position the motorvehicle 9 and the user correctly on the ground.

After determining the initial reference position, the IMU does not needexternal references to determine moment by moment its position,orientation or speed.

In alternative embodiments not illustrated, which, for example, comprisethe use of optical gyroscopes, the integration with satellite systemssuch as GPS is not necessary since the optical gyroscopes are able todetermine independently the initial reference position.

In other embodiments not illustrated, the system 1 comprises a satellitenavigation system configured to perform the correction of any drifterrors of the IMUs 22 and 32.

Advantageously, all the sensors used in the system 1 according to theinvention are of the wireless type.

In embodiments not illustrated, the sensors are wired, integrating inthe body of the motor vehicle 9, or in the clothing of the driver, thedata processing unit 4.

In these embodiments, the sensors are integrated in the clothing of thedriver, such as, for example, in the suit 8, in the helmet 7 and in thebody of the motor vehicle 9.

In these embodiments, the quality of the data and their correctprocessing is also determined by the quality of the wiring of thesensors and by the quality of the signal.

In embodiments not illustrated, the sensors are, on the other hand,positioned on the surface of clothing of the driver, such as, forexample, of the suit 8, helmet 7 or the body of the motor vehicle 8.

For example, fixed or removable anchoring elements, such as magnets oradhesive strips, not illustrated, are associated with the sensors.

The system 1 comprises various types of configurations defined dependingon the position and the type of sensors used.

Some examples are given below purely by way of example.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show two different configurations for positioning IMUs 22and 32 and others.

According to the configuration of use shown in FIG. 2 , the first dataacquisition unit 2 positioned on the motor vehicle 9 comprises a firstIMU 22 designed to be positioned at a front portion of the motor vehicle9 and a second IMU 23 designed to be positioned at a rear portion of themotor vehicle 9.

According to the configuration of use shown in FIG. 3 , the first dataacquisition unit 2 positioned on the motor vehicle comprises, inaddition to a first IMU 22 designed to be positioned at a front portionof the motor vehicle 9 and a second IMU 23 designed to be positioned ata rear portion of the motor vehicle 9, a third and a fourth IMU,respectively denoted by the reference numerals 24 and 25, designed to bepositioned, respectively, on a right-hand portion and a left-handportion of the motor vehicle 9 and a fifth IMU 26 designed to bepositioned on a rear portion of the motor vehicle 9.

In embodiments not illustrated, further sensors are positioned on thewheels of the motor vehicle 9 for measuring the spin of the wheels.

The system 1 according to the invention also comprises the use of dataacquisition units 3 on the user, that is to say, on the driver.

In order to detail the position adopted by the user (relative to boththe motor vehicle 9 and the determined route), the data acquisition unit3 comprises the detection of both the position of the user’s body andhis/her head.

In fact, the head can rotate at least partly relative to the user’sbody.

In an embodiment not illustrated, the system 1 advantageously comprisesan IMU 22 positioned on the motor vehicle 9 and an IMU 32 positioned onthe helmet 7 of the user.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the second data acquisition unit 3comprises an IMU 32 configured to be fixed as one with the helmet 7 ofthe user and is configured to generate an image I′ of the position ofthe helmet 7 worn by the user.

The second data acquisition unit 3 also comprises at least one IMU 33designed to be fixed to the suit 8 of the user, and is configured togenerate an image I″ of the position of the suit 8 worn by the user.

With reference to FIG. 2 , three different IMUs 33, 34, 35 are installedon the suit 8.

Advantageously, the IMUs 34 and 35 are positioned at the height of theshoulders and the IMU 33 at the height of the chest of the user.

In a second use configuration, illustrated in FIG. 3 , a plurality ofIMUs 33, inertial sensors 31 and support sensors 39 are installed on thesuit 8.

In this second configuration the suit 8 allows precise determination ofthe position of the user’s body and of its parts.

FIG. 1 shows the use of two IMUs: an IMU 22 positioned on the motorvehicle 22 and an IMU 32 positioned on the user’s helmet 7.

A GPS positioned on the motor vehicle 9 and a further support sensor 39and an inertial sensor 31 positioned on the user’s body.

The processing unit 4 is designed to generate an image I of the positionof the motor vehicle 9 and the position of the user.

More specifically, the processing unit 4 comprises a data processingunit 41 for processing data coming from the data acquisition units 2 and3 and/or from the various support sensors 29 or 39 used.

The processing unit 4 also comprises an image processing unit 42 forcreating and processing images I of the motor vehicle and of the user.

These images I are formed using the data coming from the dataacquisition units 2 and 3 and/or from the support sensors 29 and 39 usedby the system 1, as well as from the results processed by the dataprocessing unit 41.

Both the data processing unit 41 and the image processing unit 42 areequipped with devices for storing data and images.

These data storage devices, even though with reduced storage capacity,allow the use of the system 1 completely independently.

With reference to FIG. 1 , the system uses a data storage unit 6,described in more detail below.

The data storage unit 6 supports the activity of the processing unit 4.

The processing unit 4 comprises a support unit 43 for processing theimages.

The support processing unit 43 is used in the processing of the imagesso as to vary them on the basis of the curvature of the visor 71 of thehelmet 7 in such a way that these are not distorted by the curvature.

In some alternative embodiments, not illustrated, the support processingunit 43 is integrated in the projector of the projection device 5,rather than in the processing unit 4.

In embodiments not illustrated, the support processing unit 43 comprisesa software system to compensate for the movements of the head of theuser, in such a way as to leave the image I displayed in the correctposition.

In this way, the image I is easily understood by the user whatever theposition of his/her head.

More specifically, the reference plane on which the image I moves isalways horizontal relative to the ground regardless of the inclinationof the head of the user during the performance.

The system 1 according to the invention also comprises user interfaces44 which make it possible to display the data processed by the system 1and to set the system 1 in a selected manner.

The user interfaces 44 allow, for example, data to be viewed, such asthe time taken to perform a determined route (advantageously an entirelap), the display of lap times of a determined route, indicators whichshow the improvement or worsening of the performance compared, forexample, to a previous lap.

The user interfaces 44 are also associated with functions for selectingsample images of the driver, the motor vehicle and their textures, insuch a way as to make the projected image I more realistic.

In embodiments not illustrated, the user interfaces 44 are made in unitsdistinct from the data processing unit 4.

According to embodiments not illustrated, the system 1 according to theinvention is associated with touch or voice tools.

The term “touch tools” means a tool activated by the touch of the user.

The touch tools are advantageously positioned at the steering wheel ofthe motor vehicle so that they can be easily operated by the user.

Similarly, the term “voice tool” is used to mean tools activated by theuser’s voice.

Moreover, in embodiments not illustrated, the system 1 has furthercommands positioned on the steering wheel of the motor vehicle forcontrolling one or more functions of the system.

These functions may, for example, be the switching on or off of thetracking system, starting the recording of the performance and, ifnecessary, saving it, adjusting the luminosity of the projected image I,adjusting other parameters for displaying the image I in order toimprove the legibility under various luminosity conditions, adjustingthe volume of a voice interface associated with the system, resettingthe system 1 or other similar functions supporting a comfortableexperience of the user during use of the system 1 according to theinvention.

The visual projection device 5 is connected to the processing unit 4 andis designed to be positioned inside a helmet 7 for protection of theuser.

The visual projection device 5 is also connected to the storage unit 6for acquiring data and images necessary for the projection.

The visual projection device 5 is designed to be positioned stablyinside a protective helmet 7.

The visual projection device 5, in embodiments not illustrated, is ofthe “head-up” type, also known as HUD.

The HUD comprises a projection unit comprising a collimator.

The collimator comprises, for example, a lens or a mirror, and a liquidcrystal, holographic or other type of display.

The HUD also comprises a controller, that is to say, an element fordividing the light beam, such as, for example, a flat glass.

The controller is located in front of the display which redirects theimage projected by the projection unit in such a way that the user cansimultaneously see the field of vision and the image I projected.

In embodiments not illustrated, the controller is replaced by the visor71 of the helmet 7.

In embodiments not illustrated, the HUD comprises a computer whichprovides the interface between the projection unit and the data and theimages I to be displayed.

The computer of the HUD is inserted inside the processing unit 4.

In further embodiments, the computer of the HUD is inserted inside thedisplay device 5.

The visual projection device 5 is configured to project on a visor 71 ofthe helmet 7 the image I generated by the processing unit 4.

The visual projection device 5 is also configured to project the image Iover the entire area of a visor 71 of the helmet 7, as illustrated inFIGS. 8 to 10 .

The image I, displayed by the user, is projected in such a way that itis superposed on the actual road surface SS of the determined route, asillustrated in FIGS. 8 to 9 .

More specifically, the image I is such as to instantaneously representthe actual positions of the motor vehicle 9 and of the user adopted in aprevious passage along the same determined stretch of route.

The position adopted by the user is identified as the position adoptedby the helmet 7 and by the suit 8 worn by the user.

An image I′ is associated with the helmet 7 and an image I″ isassociated with the suit 8.

The image I′ and the image I″, together with the image of the motorvehicle, define the image I generated by the system 1.

The image I is also such as to be displayed on the visual projectiondevice 5 when required.

The system 1 also comprises a unit 6 for storing the instantaneous imageI generated by the processing unit 4 and the performance data.

The storage unit 6 can retrieve and make available the image I to theprocessing unit 4 and/or to the displaying device 5 for subsequent usesas required.

Advantageously, the storage unit 6 comprises one or more serverscontaining one or more databases for saving and storing data about theperformance and images I of one or more routes performed by the user.

With reference to FIG. 1 , the storage unit 6 comprises a database 61 ofdata, a database 62 of images and a database 63 of professionals.

The stored data on the performance are, for example, the measurementsdetected by the sensors, the data and the images processed by theprocessing unit 4, the standard data such as, for example, theperformance of a professional driver or the performance relative to aprevious lap performed by the same user.

The data as detected by the data acquisition units 2 and 3 and the dataprocessed by the data processing unit 41 are stored in the database 61of data.

The images as detected by the data acquisition units 2 and 3 and theimages processed by the image processing unit 42 are stored in thedatabase 62 of images.

The images and data relative to the performance of professional driversare stored in the database 63 of professionals.

By means of the database 63 of professionals it is possible to retrievethe images I and the data on the performance of a professional driverselected by the user of the system 1 for the determined route.

The system 1 enables the performance data to be saved and to retrievethe data as necessary.

For example, the data saved may be retrieved to compare two differentperformance levels, such as, for example, the performances of one ormore previous laps.

The system 1 according to the invention is also able to process theaverage values of the previous performances, generating a “false”performance (ideal lap) obtained from the average values of theseperformance levels.

FIGS. 4 and 7 illustrate the steps of the process during the first useof the system 1 according to the invention and its uses after the firstuse.

FIGS. 4 to 7 refer, by way of example, to the configuration of supportsensors and IMUs of FIG. 2 .

More specifically, FIGS. 4 and 6 illustrate the steps of the processduring the first use of the system 1 according to the invention.

In use, during the first start, in step 100, the user selects a circuit,constituting the determined route to which the system 1 refers.

The user wears the suit 8 and the helmet 7 on which the data acquisitionunit 3 is positioned, relative to the selected configuration, fordetecting the position of the body and of the head of the user.

Similarly, the data acquisition unit 2, relative to the selectedconfiguration, is positioned on the motor vehicle 9 for detecting theposition of the motor vehicle 9.

After that, the user can start to travel along the determined route.

Whilst the user moves on the track, that is to say, in step 101, thedata acquisition units 2 and 3 acquire the data coming from the IMUs 22,23, 32, 33, 34 and 35, and from the support sensor 29 and send them tothe processing unit 4.

In particular, the IMUs 33, 34 and 35 arranged on the suit 8 of the useracquire the data which allow the processing unit 4 to determine theposition of the body of the user at the instant t relative to the fixedsystem, as shown in step 111.

The instant t means the instant at which the detection by the dataacquisition units 2 and 3 is carried out.

The term “fixed system” is used to mean the ground.

The IMU 32 arranged on the helmet 7 of the user acquires the data whichallows the processing unit 4 to determine the position of the head ofthe user at the instant t with respect to the fixed system, as shown instep 141.

The IMUs 22 and 23 arranged on the motor vehicle 9 acquire the datawhich allow the processing unit 4 to determine the position of the motorvehicle 9 at the instant t with respect to the fixed system, as shown instep 121.

Moreover, the support sensor 29, that is, a GPS, makes it possible todetermine the exact initial position of the user on the ground, as shownin step 131.

Subsequently, in the step 102, the data acquired by the data acquisitionunits 2 and 3 is processed by the processing unit 4.

The processing unit 4 determines the relative positions between thedriver, the motor vehicle 9 and the fixed system (position on theground), as shown in step 112.

Subsequently, in the step 122, the processing unit 4 creates the imagesI relative to the positions calculated.

In the subsequent step 103 the data and the images processed by theprocessing unit 4 are stored on the storage unit 6, to be retrievedsubsequently, as shown in the respective steps 113 and 123.

Subsequently, in the step 104, the data on the performance of the userin the current lap are sent to the projection device 5.

In this way, the user can view, phase 105, the data such as, forexample, day, time, speed at instant t, humidity and the temperaturerelative to the route he/she is travelling along.

During the first start, the user views only the data on his/herperformance.

Without having the first start of images I, the user can select aperformance relating to a professional driver stored on the storage unit6.

In this situation and in the laps after the first lap on the determinedroute the system 1 follows the steps of FIGS. 5 and 7 .

FIGS. 5 and 7 illustrate the steps of the process during a use of thesystem 1 after the first use.

In step 200, the user selects a determined route.

The user wears the suit 8 and the helmet 7 on which the data acquisitionunit 3 is arranged, and uses the motor vehicle on which the dataacquisition unit 2 is arranged.

After that, the user can start to travel along the determined route.

Or, vice versa, the user performs a new lap on the same determinedroute.

Whilst the user moves on the track, that is to say, in step 201, thedata acquisition units 2 and 3 acquire the data coming from the varioussensors and from the IMUs arranged on the suit, on the helmet and on themotor vehicle and send them to the processing unit 4.

This data relates to the performance at that precise instant.

In particular, the IMUs 33, 34 and 35 arranged on the suit 8 of theuser, as mentioned above, acquire the data which allow the processingunit 4 to determine the position of the body of the user at the instantt with respect to the fixed system, as shown in step 211.

The IMU 32 arranged on the helmet 7 of the user acquires the data whichallows the processing unit 4 to determine the position of the head ofthe user at the instant t with respect to the fixed system, as shown instep 241.

The IMUs 22 and 23 arranged on the motor vehicle 9 acquire the datawhich allow the processing unit 4 to determine the position of the motorvehicle 9 at the instant t with respect to the fixed system, as shown instep 221.

The support sensor 29 is deactivated if the same selected route iscarried out several times and reactivated only if a new or a differentroute is performed.

Alternatively, the support sensor 29 may be activated when necessary tore-align or reset the system 1.

Subsequently, in the step 202, the data acquired by the data acquisitionunits 2 and 3 are processed by the processing unit 4.

The processing unit 4 determines the relative positions between thedriver, the motor vehicle 9 and the fixed system (the ground), as shownin step 212, and creates the images relating to the calculatedpositions, as shown in step 222.

In the next step 203 the data and the images processed by the processingunit 4 are stored on the storage unit 6, to be retrieved subsequently,as shown in the respective steps 213 and 223.

Subsequently, the process is divided into two different sub-processes200′ and 200″.

The sub-process 200′ relates to the projection and/or display of thedata relating to the performances associated with the current lap of theuser.

Whilst the sub-process 200″ relates to the projection and/or display ofthe images relating to the performance associated with a previous lap ofthe user or a selected lap, even not performed by the user.

In the sub-process 200′, in step 204, the data on the performance of theuser in the current lap are sent to the projection device 5.

In this way, the user can view, phase 205, the data such as, forexample, day, time, speed at instant t, humidity and the temperaturerelative to the route he/she is travelling along.

In the sub-process 200″, in step 206, the data and the images I on theperformance of the user in a previous selected lap, even not executed bythe user, as in the case of a lap performed by a professional driver,are extracted from the storage unit 6 and sent to the projection device5, in step 207.

In this way, the user can display, phase 208, the image I of the motorvehicle and of the user projected on the road surface SS.

More specifically, if the user in the current lap has a speed lower thanthe previously selected performance then the user will see in front ofhim/her the image I projected on the road surface SS.

Whilst if the user in the current lap has a speed greater than thepreviously selected performance then the user will not see in front ofhim/her the image I projected on the road surface SS.

In fact, in this case, the image I should be projected to a point whichremains outside the field of vision of the user.

In this way, the user is immediately signalling with an improvement inperformance compared with the previously selected performance.

The sequence of images I which are projected for each position adoptedby the user may be relative to a previous lap, an imaginary lap, a lapperformed by a professional driver or a selected lap.

The comparison with the previous performances may be made in relation toa lap performed by a professional driver whose performance is loaded andsaved on the storage unit 6 and, if necessary, retrieved in step 206.

FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate three different steps which show how the system1 interacts with the user if the user turns his/her head.

That is to say, in the system 1 the image I is projected on the actualroad surface SS in the exact point which corresponds to the exactposition in which the performance which is projected has occurred in aprevious lap.

If the user moves his/her head, for example by turning it to the left,as indicated by the arrow A in the drawings, the image I remains in theexact point which corresponds to the exact position in which theperformance that is projected has occurred previously.

That means that if the user rotates his/her head a great deal, the imageI can escape from the field of vision of the user.

This allows the user to keep a high degree of attention on the roadsurface SS during the training session.

The system according to the invention achieves the preset aims andbrings important advantages.

A first advantage of the system 1 according to the invention is thepossibility of detecting in real time the data on the performance of auser.

Another advantage is that of monitoring the training sessions of a userand favouring the constant learning thanks to a real-time correction ofany errors.

Yet another advantage is that of providing a system suitable fortraining the driver based on the reproduction and the comparison withthe performance of professional drivers with proven experience.

1. A tracking and display system for tracking the position of a motorvehicle driven by a user with respect to a determined route and theposition of said user with respect to said motor vehicle, said trackingsystem comprising: a first data acquisition unit arranged on said motorvehicle and configured to instantly detect the position of said motorvehicle with respect to said determined route; a second data acquisitionunit attached to said user and configured to instantly detect theposition of said user with respect to said motor vehicle and to saiddetermined route, characterised in that the said tracking and displaysystem also comprises: one processing unit to generate an image of saidposition of said motor vehicle and of said position of said user; avisual projection device connected to said processing unit andconfigured to be placed inside a helmet protecting said user, saidvisual projection device being configured to project onto a visor ofsaid helmet said image generated by said processing unit superimposed onthe actual road surface of said determined route displayed by said user,so as to represent instantly the actual position of said motor vehicleand said user assumed in a previous passage on the same section of saidroute.
 2. The tracking and display system according to claim 1 whereinsaid first and said second data acquisition unit comprise inertialsensors.
 3. The tracking and display system according claim 1 whereinsaid first and said second data acquisition units comprise one InertialMeasurement Unit of Inertial Measurement.
 4. The tracking and displaysystem according to claim 1 wherein said visual projection device isconfigured to be permanently placed inside a protective helmet andconfigured to project said image over the entire area of a visor of saidhelmet.
 5. The tracking and display system according to claim 1comprising a storage unit of said image generated by said processingunit and configured to be displayed on said visual projection device. 6.The tracking and display system according to claim 1 wherein said seconddata acquisition unit comprises an IMU configured to attach itselffirmly to the helmet of said user and being configured to generate animage of the position of said helmet.
 7. The tracking and display systemaccording to claim 1 wherein said second data acquisition unit comprisesan IMU configured to be attached to a suit of said user, and beingconfigured to generate an image of the position of said suit.
 8. Thetracking and display system according to claim 1 wherein said first andsecond data acquisition units comprise a support sensor of choicebetween GPS, magnetometer, odometer, gyrometer, laser interferometer,thermometer, barometer or a combination thereof.
 9. The tracking anddisplay system according to claim 1 wherein said first data acquisitionunit placed on said motor vehicle comprises a first IMU configured to beplaced in correspondence with a front portion of said motor vehicle, asecond IMU configured to be placed in correspondence with a rear portionof said motor vehicle.
 10. The tracking and display system according toclaim 1 wherein said first data acquisition unit placed on said motorvehicle comprises a third and a fourth IMU configured to be placedrespectively on a right and on a left portion of said motor vehicle anda fifth IMU configured to be placed on a lower portion of said motorvehicle.